SVHS Green and Gold
Dr. Cohen/Mr. Smith's Newsletter to the SVHS Community
March 21, 2021- Edition
Update Video from Dr. Cohen
SVHS BUS ROUTES
Click below to view SVHS Bus Routes for students returning March 15 and beyond:
NEW: COVID-19 Pool Testing at SVHS
Dear Parents and Guardians:
This letter is to inform you that COVID-19 testing will begin at our school on Friday, March 26, 2021.
We must all do our part to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in our schools. This includes participating in school-provided COVID-19 testing to identify cases where the student or staff member may not be showing symptoms. MCPS families were notified about this new effort in February and March. Tests will be provided for all students and staff on a weekly basis. Each swab will be placed in a common tube for that classroom or group and sent off to a central testing laboratory. The test detects whether the virus that causes COVID-19 is present in that pooled sample. Schools will receive results within 2-3 days. A consent form is linked below. If you do not complete the consent form, your child will not be able to participate in testing.
Consent forms can be emailed to Dr. Cohen at marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org, or your student can return them to the building when they return for in-person instruction. We will collect them as students check in.
New: Attendance/Early Dismissal
Please remember to send in a note or to email Ms. Perfetto (Attendance Secretary) if you student needs to leave early. We have to have a written document confirming that you are picking up your child from school early.
New: An Important Message from your PTSA
The Seneca Valley HS PTSA is inviting interested parents, staff, and students to consider serving on the PTSA Executive Board for next school year. Here is a list of the Executive Board positions per our bylaws. We must have at least a President and Treasurer to be an operational PTSA. Elected officers will hold their positions from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
President
First Vice President
Second Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
If you have questions or are interested in being considered for one or more of these positions, please reach out to a member of the Nominating Committee below by April 9th.
- Chantal Falade dera077@yahoo.com
- Amy Taylor at Amy_D_Taylor@mcpsmd.org
- Dana Walker at ddkowalker@gmail.com
The Nominating Committee will recommend a slate of potential Board Members to its membership via email no later than May 8th. Elections will be held at the May 18th PTSA meeting. Nominations can be taken from the floor at that meeting as well.
It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider helping out in any way possible. There are trainings available for each position and current members who've held these positions before to help. We would love to have the board reflect the diversity of our school. Any interested incoming 9th grade parent is welcome to contact us as well.
Thanks in advance,
The SVHS PTSA Nominating Committee
NEW: This Week's Notes from the College & Career Center
Senior Planning
Unsure about your plans for after high school? Need some assistance? Reach out to Mr. Nalda today. We can discuss college options, career options, apprenticeships, jobs, and more!
College Acceptances & Scholarship Awards - Seniors
Have you applied and been accepted to a college or university? Have you been offered any scholarships? Please keep track of this information and update in your Naviance account. At some point soon, we will be distributing a Senior Survey asking for this and other information. All seniors in MCPS will be asked to complete this survey.
Keeping track of this as you go along will make it easier to fill out when it is time to fill out this survey. If possible, please share you acceptance(s) and scholarship award letter(s) with Mr. Nalda. You can forward, take a picture of, or scan your letter(s) of acceptance and add as an attachment. Thank you!!
FAFSA & MSFAA - Seniors
If you have created an MDCAPS account to apply for financial aid and need to upload your transcript, send Mr. Nalda an email with your MHEC ID Number. He will be able to upload your GPA information directly to MHEC.
FAFSA - If you plan on attending college after graduation and have yet to fill out the FAFSA, you should still complete this form. You may not qualify for Maryland money and at this point, but you could be eligible for federal aid in the form of the Pell Grant. Click here for more information.
Feel free to reach out to Mr. Nalda if you have any questions.
Upcoming Scholarships
- March 21 - Masonic Charities Scholarship - awards ranging from $500 - $7,000; senior; applicants considered from the following criteria: leadership in school and community; participation in school activities; personal resume; academics; financial need; references / recommendations; overall neatness of application; click here for electronic copy of application; once completed, RETURN application and supporting documents to Mr. Nalda by Sunday, March 21.
- March 23 - Apartment Guide Student Scholarship - 2-$2,500 awards; senior; U.S. Citizen or legal resident; at least 17 years of age; min 2.5 GPA; accepted as a full-time student at an accredited college or university for the Fall 2021; submit a 500-600 word essay; 10 finalists chosen will then submit a video illustrating their essays; see link for full rules and guidelines.
- March 29 - Boule' Foundation Scholarship - $4,000 awards; senior; African American/Black; be of African descent; U.S. Citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident, a resident of London, England, or a citizen of the Bahamas; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); enter a four-year school full-time in the fall; one letter of recommendation; participation in extra-curricular activities, academic/civic honors and awards, community service, and work experience; 2 essays.
- March 31 - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Eta Pi Zeta Chapter Scholarship - Book and regular scholarships of up to $1,000; senior; min. 2.5 GPA (unweighted); accepted at a (2) or (4) year Not for Profit College or University; provide proof of community service hours; essay; 2 letters of recommendation; official copy of transcript; copy of acceptance letter; must participate in an interview by the Eta Pi Zeta Scholarship Committee.
- March 31 - The National Society of Black Engineers Future Innovators Scholarship Award - multiple $1,000 awards; senior; African-American; must have applied for admission to a college/university for a degree program in engineering, computer science, mathematics, technology, or an applied science; extracurricular activities; two essays; official transcript; letter of rec.; copy of acceptance letter (if available).
- March 31 - Legacy of Life Scholarship - 2-$5,000, 2-$3,000, and 6-$1,000 awards; senior; write an essay or produce a video convincing others to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors; winners must attend a "Donation 101" training and participate in one WRTC-approved event in the community.
- March 31 - Blacks at Microsoft Scholarships - 4-$20,000 awards over 4 years ($5,000 per year, renewable), 8-$10,000 awards over 2 years ($5,000 per year, renewable), & 15-$1,000 one-time awards; senior; min 3.3 GPA; must be of African descent (African American or African); attend four-year school in the fall; major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, or select business programs (see link for majors); passion for technology; leadership; financial need; 2 letters of rec.; resume; transcript; two essays; color picture.
- March 31 - Cirkled In "No Sweat" Scholarship - $2,500 award; grades 8 - 12; must be at least 13 years old; legal U.S. or DC resident; create a free Cirkled In account; complete your portfolio; no essay or min. GPA requirement!
- April 01 - Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship - awards ranging from $5,000-$20,000, depending on financial need; senior; must be born outside the U.S. or have two parents born outside the U.S.; must enroll full-time in the fall; in 2020, your family's total income (before taxes) was less than $100,000; recipients selected based on hard work, resourcefulness, perseverance in the face of adversity, academic achievement, and commitment to one's community.
- April 01 - Navy Family Scholarships by NOSCDC - senior; applicant must be a dependent child of an active duty, activated reservist, retired from active duty, or deceased United States Navy (USN) service member; attend a two- or four- year undergraduate college, a visual or performing arts school, or a vocational/technical school; awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement, school involvement, and community engagement; 2 essays; letter of recommendation; official transcript.
- April 02 - Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program - 20-$1,000 awards; senior; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); plan to attend a U.S. Accredited 4-Year College/University or Community College in the state of California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, or Washington; household income at or below the Low Income Level (if selected, must provide 2019 or 2020 tax return for verification); Recommender Form from a Community Service Advisor; official transcript.
- April 02 - Miss Utility/District One Call Scholarship Program - 1-$1,008.11 award for our area; senior; U.S. Citizen or resident; enroll in a two-year or four-year college, university or technical school; essay (500 words max); copy of transcript.
- April 02 - Kao Kalia Yang Scholarship - 5-$5,000 Renewable awards; senior; blood descendants of Hmong race or ethnically identified as Hmong American (with a citizenship or as a permanent resident); min 2.0 GPA; attend a four-year college or university full-time in the fall; household income at or below the Federal/State/County Low Income Level (Must be able to show 2019 or 2020 tax return should applicant be selected for award); Recommender Form from a Community Service Advisor; official transcript; online interview (if selected as a finalist).
- April 02 - Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund - 10-$5,000 awards; senior; United States citizen or US Permanent Resident (holders of a Permanent Resident Card) AND direct blood descendant of a Taiwanese citizen; min 3.0 GPA (unweighted); household income at or below the Federal/State/County Low Income Level (Must be able to show 2019 or 2020 tax return should applicant be selected for award); 3 References; official transcript; all awardees must submit a short YouTube video; see link for details.
Click here to see the SVHS Scholarships Page for more opportunities.
Next Week's College Visits - Juniors & Seniors
Montgomery College (SVHS Only)
Nicholas Boyd
Virtual
3/24/21 9:00 AM
WVU Potomac State College
Cassie Weese
Virtual
3/26/21 11:30 AM
*Register in Naviance to access zoom links to meetings.
To see a full list of College Visits, see click the link: List of College Visits
Upcoming Events
ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)
Wanted: High School Students. Show Your Talent with ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)
Competition Categories listed here:
§ Brochure - Page 1, Page 2 - Application - Parent Consent Form
§ https://twitter.com/ACTSOMOCO/status/1365870629233303554
§ https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/events/act-so/index.html
§ Deadline for All Applications and Projects: March 22, 2021
Opportunity Knocks Career Fair - March 24
We enthusiastically invite you all to participate in the Opportunity Knocks Career Fair to learn about potential job and career training opportunities!
- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 1PM - 3:30PM
- Click here for the flyer
Your Major Decision is a Minor Factor
Join Dr. Dedra Eatmon, founder of Tassel to Tassel, as she discusses post-secondary planning for high school students.
§ Wednesday, March 24, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
§ Click here for more information and to register
Pre-College / Summer Program Opportunities
A pre-college summer program offers high school students the opportunity to take classes at a college and experience college life during the summer. Many programs offer a residential and commuter option. Students can stay in dorms with their peers, or they can commute from home if they live close to the college.
- Summer Programs & Internships - List of summer programs and internships created by MCPS College & Career Information Coordinators
NEW: IB Update
A big shout out to the IB Committee for organizing incredible student panels to share the value of IB with our students. We are so proud of our amazing IB students that spoke so thoughtfully and shared how IB has impacted them in and out of the classroom. Katie Hernandez, Owen Kaayou, Olivia Blaner, Jameel Kiburi, Janice Boakye, Mariam Cherif, and Yessenia Villatoro Flores - Seneca Valley is lucky to have you as Screaming Eagles!!
Payment for IB Exams
Although the May component of your IB exam is cancelled this year, IB will grade Internal Assessments and issue exam scores (1-7). In order to obtain an IB score, you must submit your Internal Assessment for each IB course for which you are registered to “test.”
As IB is still grading student assessments and issuing scores, students must still pay for their exams by April 9th. All students who do not pay for their exams by April 9th will be withdrawn and will not receive an IB exam score. IB Exam scores can be used for potential college credit, depending on your score and the college you are attending, as usual.
To pay your exam fees - please follow the following steps:
- Go to https://osp.osmsinc.com/montgomerymd
- Once there click on “High”and scroll down to “Seneca Valley High School”
- Scroll down to “IB Exam Fee Approved Payment”
- Please enter the name of your exams and the amount you are paying. Each exam is $119. Remember if you qualify for a fee waiver, each exam is $20.
We understand the past year has been extremely challenging, so please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Ezerski with any concerns you have regarding IB exam fees at Natasha_L_Ezerski@mcpsmd.org. Remember to do your absolute best on your IB Internal Exams - YOU CAN DO THIS!!
REPEAT: Community Update on TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Please read this important update that clarifies expectations regarding travel during the pandemic and its impact on participation in in-person learning: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/travel/
REPEAT: Community Update on the MCPS REOPENING PLAN
REPEAT: Chromebook Pick-up Information
If a student does not have an MCPS issued Chromebook and is returning to school, Chromebooks will be issued from SVHS directly and on a daily basis.
For any questions around this change, please reach out to the school directly at 240-740-6400.
REPEAT: Community Update on A SHARED COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SAFETY
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Montgomery County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe environment for our students and staff as we transition to in-person learning. To ensure schools are safe, we must all do our part to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. By selecting an in-person learning experience, you are agreeing to take key precautions and actions to keep schools safe.
Please follow this link to learn more about this shared responsibility: Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) (montgomeryschoolsmd.org)
UPDATED: Creativity Contests
· The Montgomery County Youth Media Festival invites all middle and high school students, plus young adults ages 18-25, in the DMV to submit original works of video and art for consideration. Selected entries will be shown at the festival in April, when winners will be announced. Submissions are due by March 20, 2021. Click HERE for contest rules and the submission form.
· The NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) invites students of African descent to submit projects in the following categories: STEM, Humanities, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Business. To learn more about project requirements, click HERE. The deadline for all applications and submissions is March 22, 2021. There will be a Zoom information session hosted on March 14th at 3:00 pm - register HERE. For more information, contact Pat Price at actsomoco@gmail.com.
· NEW: The Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition invites teams of two or more students to create and submit 30-second videos on one of three topics related to the risks and dangers of underage drinking. Entries are due by March 26, 2021. Click HERE for contest rules.
REMINDER: AP Exams Update
This is a reminder to submit your payment for Advanced Placement exams. The deadline to submit payments for AP exams is: MARCH 29, 2021. Payments can be submitted through our Online Student Payment system (OSP). To make payments, please follow the instructions below:
- Go to the SVHS website
- On the left-hand side in the green bar find "School Payments" (CLICK)
- Find "Online School Payment" (CLICK)
- Find "High" in the upper toolbar in Blue with WHITE letters
- Select Seneca Valley High School
- Select the specific AP exam(s) OR
- NOTE: If you are requesting a Payment Plan or Fee Waiver based on income, you will select that option
REPEAT: Internship Applications
If you are junior who has signed up for an internship for senior year or plan to complete an internship during this summer, you must complete the SVHS Senior Internship Application. The application form and all components are due Friday, March 26, 2021.
Helpful Links & Resources:
Link to Instructions for Completing the Internship Application and its Components
Link to join the Internship 21-22 myMCPS classroom tile (you must join the classroom in order to submit components for the application)
E-mail Mrs. Skufca (Kimberly_K_Skufca@mcpsmd.org) with any questions.
All of the information & links above are also posted on the myMCPS Internship Information 21-22 classroom.
REMINDER: Counselor LIVE Chat
Counselors are now available for live chat sessions EVERYDAY via Zoom. Please use your student's sign in credentials to access the session. Click HERE to access counselor's availability. *Please note that you may be required to wait briefly in the waiting room while the counselor is meeting with another parent and/or student."
REMINDER: Where do I go for help?
We are here to support you in any way that we can. for more information about who to go to for the most commonly asked questions, please visit this link. There you will find resources for the topics listed below. We will continue to add to this list as needs evolve.
- Community Resources
- Wellness Resources
- Student Support
- Counselors
- Class Sponsors
- Technology Reminders
- Ask Your Librarian
For spirit wear purchases:
Seneca Valley Online SPIRIT WEAR!!!
Seneca Valley is excited to offer online sales of the spirit wear we used to sell on-site (and more!) through our local vendor, VerTee Shirts. Check it out!
VerTee Shirts: https://svhs.spiritsale.com (T-shirts, sweatshirts, lounge pants, fleece jackets, and masks)
SVHS Spirit Wear can also be purchased at the following sites.
Squad Locker: https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/eagles-287838
BSN: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/maryland/germantown/seneca-valley-high-school
Want a SVHS License Plate? Please visit the School website for details. https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools//senecavalleyhs/about/ptsa/spiritsales/
Are you #SVPROUD?
- Tweet, Snap, IB, FB, etc., a pic of you repping "The Valley" by wearing your Seneca gear.
- And don't forget to use #svproud. Go Eagles!
Seneca Valley High School
Email: marc_j_cohen@mcpsmd.org
Website: www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
Location: 19401 Crystal Rock Drive, Germantown, MD, USA
Phone: 240-740-6400
Twitter: @SenecaValleyHS